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English Proficiency

Generally, all applicants are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to satisfy the university requirements for graduate admission, unless an applicable exemption or waiver applies.

Only applicants who are citizens of the following countries (or those applicants who have received their bachelor's degree or higher, from said countries, within the previous 24 months of the intended start date of their respective graduate program) are 'exempt' from this requirement.

AustraliaBarbadosBelizeBermuda
BotswanaCanadaCook IslandsEngland
GrenadaGuyanaIreland, NorthernIreland, Republic of
JamaicaLesothoMaltaNew Zealand
South Africa, Republic ofScotlandSierra LeoneSingapore
St Kitts and NevisSt LuciaSwazilandUnited States of America
WalesZambia--

Acceptable English Proficiency Tests

The CAE, E3PT, IELTS, and TOEFL tests are designed to measure a candidate's ability to communicate in English in an academic or professional setting. The tests cover four language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) tests for and establishes proof of high-level achievement in English and the ideal qualification to prepare you for university or professional life. Applicants applying to graduate school are required to successfully pass the C1 Advanced test. Information regarding the CAE C1 Advanced test is available here.

The English3 Proficiency Test (E3PT) measures general and academic English proficiency. The E3PT is offered online anywhere in the world and can be completed at any time. Test takers will need working webcam, microphone, and speakers, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet and well-lit room. Information regarding the E3PT is available here.

IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, and IDP: IELTS Australia. There are two types of reading and writing modules: Academic and General Training. Candidates applying for admission to a graduate program at BYU are required to take the Academic reading and writing modules of the test. Information regarding the IELTS is available at www.ielts.org.

The TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The test is administered by Educational Testing Service. Information regarding the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org. BYU does not accept the TOEFL ITP test as an English proficiency exam for graduate school.

Minimum Scores on English Proficiency Tests

  • CAE C1 Advanced
    • Minimum score of (180/Grade C) or higher.
  • E3PT
    • Overall minimum score of 79 (with minimum speaking, reading, and listening scores of 21, and a minimum writing score of 16).  
    • Receive a 50% discount by entering the code “GOFORTHTOSERVE
  • IELTS
    • Overall minimum band score of 7.0 (consisting of minimum band scores of 6.0 in each module).
  • TOEFL iBT (internet based test)
    • Minimum subscores of 22 (Speaking) and 21 (Listening, Reading, & Writing respectively) comprising an overall score at least 85.

Some departments may require a higher English proficiency test score. Please refer to your department of interest for specific information. CAE, E3PT, IELTS, and TOEFL scores must be less than two years old at the time of enrollment.